A veritable Formula 1 craft of the Oceans, this multihull was built with materials and technologies developed by Arkema that help optimize its weight, strength and therefore performance. This project represents a vast testing ground for Arkema’s innovations.

It took eighteen months for this experienced skipper – who came second in the previous edition of the Route du Rhum, the most famous transatlantic race – and his crew to design and build this 50 ft (15.2 m) multihull.

This has been a unique boat building project in Europe, in which Arkema is the main sponsor and a supplier of innovative technologies, two of which are in fact on board.

The cockpit window and the glazing shielding the two helms are made of Altuglas ShieldUp nanostructured acrylic sheet, which combines outstanding optical properties with exceptional resistance to impact, UVs and abrasion.

Furthermore, many of the boat’s components were assembled with structural glues from AEC Polymers, a company in which Arkema recently acquired a 60% stake, and which uses the Nanostrength nanostructured block copolymer technology. This technology delivers an unrivalled breaking strength - elasticity compromise in the adhesives, thereby eliminating the need for a composite layer and reducing the overall weight.

The next official competition for Arkema–Région Aquitaine will be the Route des Princes race (Valencia - Lisbon - Galway - Plymouth - Roscoff) scheduled for June 9 to 31. It will then take part in the Transat Jacques Vabre in November, the overriding objective remaining the 2014 Route du Rhum.

A global chemical company and France’s leading chemicals producer, Arkema is building the future of the chemical industry every day. Deploying a responsible, innovation-based approach, we produce state-of-the-art specialty chemicals that provide customers with practical solutions to such challenges as climate change, access to drinking water, the future of energy, fossil fuel preservation and the need for lighter materials.

With operations in more than 40 countries, some 14,000 employees and 10 research centers, Arkema generates annual revenue of €6.4 billion, and holds leadership positions in all its markets with a portfolio of internationally recognized brands.